Super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga was arrested Monday in Polk County, Florida, on two battery counts stemming from an alleged incident on Oct. 18. The 29-year-old, a resident of Lithia, Florida, was taken into custody by the Lakeland Police Department and now faces one first-degree misdemeanor battery charge and one second-degree felony aggravated battery charge.
According to sports.yahoo.com, a judge set Berlanga's combined bail at $16,000 following his arrest. The report, citing court records obtained by Uncrowned, notes his arraignment hearing is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 17, when he will hear the formal charges and is expected to enter a plea. As reported by BoxingScene, Berlanga is being held to answer for both counts tied to the Oct. 18 incident.
What the Charges Carry
Under Florida law, battery occurs when a person intentionally touches or strikes another person against that person's will, or intentionally causes bodily harm, according to Florida Statutes, section 784.03. Aggravated battery, meanwhile, involves committing a battery while intentionally or knowingly causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement, or while using a deadly weapon, per Florida Statutes, section 784.045, which classifies it as a second-degree felony.
The misdemeanor battery charge carries a potential sentence of up to one year in prison, while the felony aggravated battery charge could bring up to 15 years behind bars if Berlanga is convicted, the Yahoo Sports report notes.
A Career Interrupted Outside the Ring
Berlanga enters this legal chapter with a professional boxing record of 24-2 with 19 knockouts. The Puerto Rican fighter's age was also confirmed by elnuevodia.com, which reported on the arrest as well.
He most recently fought in July at Madison Square Garden's Infosys Theater in New York, recovering from an early knockdown to stop Steven Butler in the seventh round. That win followed a tougher stretch for the super middleweight contender, who lost a unanimous decision to Saul Alvarez in 2024 in a challenge for the WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight titles.
With his arraignment still weeks away, the eventual plea, any trial outcome, and the ultimate disposition of the charges remain unresolved. It is also not clear from available reporting whether Berlanga has posted bail, been released, or retained legal counsel.
